In duelling media releases from the NDP and Liberals, NDP leader Brian Mason was outraged that Swann didn't choose the two people Mason recommended. Mason claims that Swann didn't consult him enough about the choices, even though the two leaders met to discuss the appointments and Mason signed a letter to Swann with recommendations.

(b) 2 persons, who are not members of the Legislative Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on the nomination of the Leader of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition in consultation with the leaders of the other opposition parties represented in the Legislative Assembly,

The Act doesn't specify what 'consultation' needs to entail, but the history of childish tension between the Liberals and NDP would have led me to be encouraged that the two leaders had even met to discuss this issue. Alas, the media release and predictable outrage from Mason has likely undermined any good will in the 11 MLA opposition benches.

Next Post: An issue that actually matters.

UPDATE: Tune in! I will be on air with Calgary AM770s Rob Breakenridge disucssing this issue at 8:35pm tonight.UPDATE (August 7, 2009): You can now listen to the podcast of last night's The World Tonight on AM770 where Rob Breakenridge and I discuss the Electoral Boundaries Commission issue. NDP leader Brian Mason calls in around the 10 minute and 58 second point in the podcast.

31 comments:

Anonymous
said...

I think the Libs handled it very well, for once. Having the chief of staff respond, rather than the leader, indicated their (rightful) view that Mason is being a tool and succeeded in pointing out this is a non-story. I love this quote, "Alberta Liberal Caucus Chief of Staff Rick Miller is mildly annoyed..." Too funny.

Actually the Act says that the official opposition must consult with all sitting non-government members in the Legislature. Allowing the two parties with the most seats to draw the lines for the next election - without any dialogue with the other leaders - is outrageous. This process is a sham. How would you feel if I asked you want you wanted for lunch... then ordered my own lunch and ignored you while I ate it? If that's the way liberals consult it's no wonder First Nations can't trust them.

You can vent your spleen at Mason all you want Dave, it's pretty predictable.

I'd like to know what the Liberals have against Michael Phair, one of the NDP suggestions. Do you really think it's ok and fair of the Liberals to brush off a long time city councilor, with ties to the Liberal party, as some kind of partisan NDP ogre? He seems to me to be an ideal choice for the job. Far better than any of the other names suggested. Good on Mason for getting Phair to agree to it.

Instead of rejecting the idea out of hand, the Liberals could have appointed Phair and we would have gotten a better commission.

Further to the last point, the Libs have likely pissed Phair off with their characterization of him. I can't see him endorsing Laurie B. ever again. And they are not about to get their wish to see him run for the ALP anytime soon (something I recall Dave musing about/wishing for in the past.)

Miranda: No, it does not say all sitting non-government MLAs. If you even read this post you would see that the legislation says"(b) 2 persons, who are not members of the Legislative Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on the nomination of the Leader of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition in consultation with the leaders of the other opposition parties represented in the Legislative Assembly,"

Now because the NDP (unfortunately) do not have party status in the Legislative assembly. There is noone that Swan has to consult with.

The fact is that Swan did consult with the NDP, and Mason is throwing a tantrum because he did not get his way, as he usually does.

While I don't think this needed a press release, I too have to wonder about the wisdom of dismissing Michael Phair... Is this an Edmonton vs. Calgary battle? I like Swann but voted for Mp for a reason, and that's the Edmonton connection. We may lose votes over this if hay is made over the fact that we dumped on Phair. Brutal!!

Poor old Brian means well, but he's been drinking his own bathwater so long that anything that doesn't taste like soap - say, being treated with respect by Dr. Swann - makes him revert to form. Form, of course, being a preference for fighting the Libs over fighting the Conservatives. Actually, I agree that Michael Phair might have been a better choice than Allyson Who?, but Brian just looks like a dweeb for complaining like this. Would the Knee-Dips, please, make Rachel the leader! It shouldn't be a problem now that her tiny perfect husband has stopped blogging...

I believe that Mason and the NDP have missed the opportunity to raise the debate beyond the realm of political self-interest.

As I said to Mr. Mason last night on Rob Breakenridge's AM770 show, the real issue isn't about NDP partisan appointees or Liberal partisan appointees, it's about whether or not it is appropriate for politicians to be appointing the people who are in charge of redrawing their electoral boundaries in the first place. No. I don't think it's appropriate.

Those that think Rachel Notley would be any different and/or better than Brian Mason as ND leader are on crack.

Spend some time with the woman.. or better yet spend some time with her braintrust/hubby Tiny Perfect Lou Arab.

Their entry into the provincial NDP has so far resulted in a loss of 2 seats. But those two celebrated like they formed government, because she had done the oh-so-difficult NDP task of holding on to Edmonton-Stratcona.

Make her leader (and in doing so inevitably show Mason the door) and watch their caucus size go from 2 to 1 in 2012.

"While I don't think this needed a press release" That's actually a really good point that hadn't occurred to me. I'm really surprised at some of the press releases and attempts at media coverage by the NDP since Brookes Merritt took over. One release I received contained the word "gobbledeygook".

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Who is Dave Cournoyer? I am a writer, blogger, communicator, occasional media pundit, political watcher, & proud life-long Albertan. I studied Political Science at the University of Alberta and have served as Vice-President (External) of the U of A Students' Union, Chair of the Council of Alberta University Students, and communications coordinator for Alberta's official opposition party.